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Windows Vista can slow down, lock up and crash for a variety of reasons. These problems may happen because of third-party program conflicts, corrupted files, hardware problems and other issues. Microsoft created a helpful Startup Repair program for Vista that can resolve many issues that computer owners face. When Startup Repair launches, it scans your system looking for errors and tries to fix them if possible. If you can't get Startup Repair to work, you may have a problem that it cannot resolve.

Installation CD Issues

If you insert your Vista installation CD before booting, a message will appear asking you to press any key to boot from your CD or DVD. When you do that, the System Recovery Options menu containing a Startup Repair entry should appear. One reason that Vista's Startup Repair tool may not work is if the manufacturer who made your computer did not include the tool on your installation CD. Microsoft recommends visiting the manufacturer's website or reviewing your computer's documentation if you do not see Startup Repair as a menu option when you boot with your CD inserted into your computer.

Starting Startup Repair

When you get to the point where you see the System Recovery Options menu, you can click "Startup Repair" and follow the instructions that the wizard provides. The Advanced Boot Options will eventually appear enabling you to click "Repair Your Computer" and follow additional instructions to begin the repair process. When the repair finishes, restart your computer as instructed.

Failure to Repair Problems

Vista’s Startup Repair is good at finding and repairing missing or damaged system files. A damaged system file can cause minor issues or prevent your computer from starting correctly. If you have other problems that you hoped Startup Repair might fix, those problems could still exist after the program finishes running. It cannot recover documents and other personal files and you cannot use it as a backup tool. Startup Repair also does not have the ability to fix hardware problems, such as hard drive failures or motherboard errors.

System Restore

Vista has a tool that can restore the operating system back to an earlier time. If an application that you installed recently is causing your problem, you may want to try using System Restore to "go back in time." When you use this program, you will not lose any of your personal files. However, some applications that you installed recently may disappear. Access the System Restore menu by typing clicking "Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore." Learn more about how System Restore works by reviewing Microsoft's System Restore Web page (see Resources).

Considerations

Some manufacturers preinstall their own recovery options on computers. If you don't see a message to press any key after booting with your CD inserted into the computer, press "F8" before the Windows logo appears to display the Advanced Boot Options screen that contains the "Repair Your Computer" menu option.

About the Author

After majoring in physics, Kevin Lee began writing professionally in 1989 when, as a software developer, he also created technical articles for the Johnson Space Center. Today this urban Texas cowboy continues to crank out high-quality software as well as non-technical articles covering a multitude of diverse topics ranging from gaming to current affairs.